Nasri wants fan forgiveness

Samir Nasri admits France are still trying to win over the fans who have not forgiven them for their disastrous World Cup campaign in 2010.

Last Updated: 18/06/12 9:51am

Samir Nasri: Hoping France can win back fans with strong display at Euros

France midfielder Samir Nasri admits the team are still trying to win over the fans who have not forgiven them for their disastrous World Cup campaign two years ago.

Les Bleus crashed out in South Africa after a farcical display during which players revolted against former coach Raymond Domenech after Nicolas Anelka was sent home in disgrace.

Under current boss Laurent Blanc the French have gone some way to put that nightmare behind them, notching up a 23-game unbeaten run.

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Victory over Ukraine on Friday was France's first in a major tournament for six years and put them joint top of Group D alongside England, with progression to the quarter-finals dependent on how they fare in their final group game against Sweden in Kiev.

Manchester City man Nasri knows the team still have a way to go before they can convince some supporters back onside.

"Our fans have not forgiven us yet but we will do everything to change that," he said.

"In France the image of the national team was really bad so we have tried hard for the past two years to change that and we are 23 games unbeaten now.

"We are trying to show everyone something different, and that we are not just players with huge egos and big heads.

"We understand the fans but we want to give them pleasure and do something special as well."

Nasri admits winning the tournament is a tough ask but hopes France can at least build some solid foundations on which to base their World Cup campaign in Brazil in two years' time.

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"We are getting to the age of 24 and 25 and it is time to do something," he added.

"To win the tournament will be difficult but we are trying to build something to make sure we are ready for the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil

"You never know what can happen in a big tournament like this.

"We have done well in the first two games here and we'll try to do something."